Product and Development Process Manager, based in Thirsk, North Yorkshire for our pet food manufacturing plant. This is a permanent position offering a competitive salary and benefits. We are looking for someone who can; Drive new product launches and improve how we make them. Own the process, hit deadlines, and get it right first time. Be the go-to for our Commercial team and turn ideas into on-shelf success. The Role As our Product and Process Development Manager - You will oversee and manage the manufacturing process for new product launches and drive improvements to existing manufacturing processes at IPN. This includes ensuring that all production guidelines are developed, approved, and aligned with product specifications, within critical path timelines and launch deadlines. You will be responsible for delivering right-first-time product launches and will serve as the primary point of contact for the Commercial team throughout the process. Key Accountabilities - Product and Process Development Manager Work with the nutrition team to develop recipes and then with Operations to define running guidelines. Input into the specifications in line with food safety and quality standards Analysis of current operational processes and specifications to identify opportunity, delivering quality or cost improvements through continuous improvement mindset and process Introduce, refine and robustly test the design of new product concepts throughout creative and implementation stage to ensure the feasibility, sustainability and ability to meet commercial targets. Lead feasibility meetings/internal reviews ensuring that site teams are kept informed of all activity updates and follow up actions are completed. Acting as the dedicated operational contact to the commercial team, lead the operations team throughout the implementation phase, tracking progress and resolving issues identified within scale up trials, in order to achieve timely implementation and hit targeted launch dates Custodian of product quality, ensuring accurate delivery of the commercial brief - including quality of product, operational delivery, and margin target. Work with the nutrition team to develop recipes and then with Operations to define running guidelines. Input into the specifications in line with food safety and quality standards Analysis of current operational processes and specifications to identify opportunity, delivering quality or cost improvements through continuous improvement mindset and process Introduce, refine and robustly test the design of new product concepts throughout creative and implementation stage to ensure the feasibility, sustainability and ability to meet commercial targets. Custodian of product quality, ensuring accurate delivery of the commercial brief - including quality of product, operational delivery, and margin target Knowledge, skills and experience of the Product and Process Development Manager Degree in Consumer Science or equivalent on-the-job experience Proven track record of delivering high-quality, sustainable, commercial products Experience in a similar role, with clear evidence of key responsibilities delivered Excellent project leadership skills - able to manage multiple priorities with focus Solid understanding of food manufacturing principles and proposal feasibility The Offer Location: Thirsk, North Yorkshire Salary: Competitive 15% annual company bonus scheme Company car allowance Hours: 37.5 hours per week - Monday to Friday Pension: Employee contributions 3% / Employer contribution 8%(salary sacrifice company pension scheme) Holidays: 25 days Bank Holidays Healthcare cash back plan Private Medical Life Assurance Enhanced maternity/paternity/pawternity/pawreavement Free parking, electric charging, bring your dog to work, discounted products & free hot drinks Choice of a series of non-contractual flexible benefits, including cycle to work, workplace nurseries and dental insurance. These are offered through salary sacrifice or pay deductions. Ability to purchase heavily discounted pet food. Company IPN is an innovative, well-established, and award-winning pet food manufacturer, employing over 850 people across our 4 UK manufacturing sites. Our family of brands include Harringtons, Wagg, Barking Heads & Meowing Heads, AATU, Blink, Butchers, Classic Cat and a selection of partner brands that trust us to produce food on their behalf. Our kitchens in Thirsk, Kinmel and Crick produce dry, wet, and baked foods which are enjoyed by dogs and cats all over the world. INDHP